Are you stuck?

I read a funny and poignant story about a cow who put her nose into a paint can and it got stuck. The cow could not shake the can lose, putting herself in serious danger; lack of air and unable to eat or drink. The farmer went to help. When the cow saw its rescuer coming, it got scared and ran. For three days the farmer and his helping hands chased after her. Finally, they were able to corner the cow and remove the can. Freedom. Fresh Air. Food. Water. Healthy once again.

Have you seen any people stuck in a can lately? 
People with dehydrated souls and malnourished hearts? 
People who are out of spiritual breath because they are running from God? 
People who are avoiding Christian friends and their church family? 
All because they put their nose where it does not belong. God came running to help and rescue, but they ran.

Does this describe you? Have you ever put your nose where it does not belong? Have you ever got your nose stuck in over spending, over eating, over working, gossip, addiction to entertainment, alcohol or any other place?

God reveals that people who put their nose where they should not "are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against Him. They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity." Eph 4:17-19 (NLT) 

Re-read those symptoms of a malnourished soul and dehydrated heart. Do these symptoms describe your spiritual condition right now? Have you ever experienced these?

Due to the love-bursting heart of our Rescuer, Jesus Christ, Jesus sets out to disentangle us. His team of rescuers (God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Word, His church, His creation and His orchestrating circumstances) never give up, never get tired, never run out of care and concern for you and me. 

God reminds us that malnourished souls and dehydrated hearts "aren’t what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from Him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy." Eph 4:20-24 (NLT) 

God invites us to stop running. Let Him remove the can from our nose. Let Him forgive and start the healing process. Let Him gently pour His spiritual food and water into your soul and heart. Then, thank Him. Re-engage with Him, His Word, His church, His mission of helping Him remove cans from others who are stuck and running away.

Hopefully, you are enjoying reading, studying and memorizing the Psalms this summer. God is waiting to nourish your souls and hydrate your hearts with the Psalms this summer. What Are Summers Made For....

See you Sunday,
Pastor Chris

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